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10 Little-Known Uses for Cannabidiol or CBD Oil

Cannabidiol, or CBD oil, has been identified by recent cannabis research as the component responsible for a great deal of marijuana’s medical benefits.

Among the cannabinoids in cannabis, the main psychoactive compound, THC, often outshines the one that provides a natural anti-anxiety, anti-epileptic and antipsychotic effect. Cannabidiol, or CBD oil, lacks the colorful high commonly associated with your traditional marijuana high and doesn’t have much of a noticeable effect when isolated. When combined with THC, the relaxing effect combats any feelings of paranoia or panic that can sometimes be felt under the influence. While lauded for its effect on epilepsy, recent cannabis research has identified CBD as the component responsible for a great deal of marijuana’s medical benefits.

1. Cigarette Addiction

In adouble-blind, placebo-controlled study, 24 smokers were randomly chosen to receive either an inhaler of CBD oil or a placebo. Participants were asked to take a puff every time they had an urge to puff a cigarette. Over the week, those with placebo inhalers saw no change in their total number of cigarettes consumed, while those who were taking CBD saw a nearly 40 percent drop in their intake. Using the inhaler decreased the number of cigarettes without increasing their craving for nicotine, pointing towards a purpose for Cannabidiol in the withdrawal process.

2. Acne

Astudypublished in theJournal of Clinical Investigationand theNational Institute of Healthdiscovered that CBD can provide treatment for acne. Researchers used cannabis-derived Cannabidiol on the human sebaceous glands and came to the conclusion that CBD acts as a highly effective sebostatic and anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting lipid synthesis.

3. Diabetes

In astudyusing CBD, the development of diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice was prevented. Although there wasn’t a direct effect of Cannabidiol on glucose levels, the treatment prevented the production of IL-12 by splenocytes. Preventing this cytokine is important because it plays a huge role in many autoimmune diseases.

4. Fibromyalgia

Common treatments forfibromyalgiaare anti-inflammatory medications, opioid pain medications, and corticosteroids. A2011 studythat focused on CBD treatment for fibromyalgia produced very promising results for future uses in treatment. Half of the 56 participants used Cannabidiol, while the other half used traditional methods to treat their condition. Those that used cannabis saw a great reduction in their symptoms and pain, while those using traditional methods didn’t see much of an improvement.

5. Prion/Mad Cow Disease

Cannabidiol has been shown to halt prions, the proteins that cause neurodegenerative diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and mad cow. The formation and accumulation of prions were prevented with the aide of Cannabidiol during astudypublished in theJournal of Neurosciencein 2007. For mice that were infected, CBD increased their survival time by about a week.

6. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

CBD is known to produce anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects when ingested by slowing everything down and calming the user. Those with PTSD are often overcome with anxiety and stress, so patients frequently find relief by using Cannabidiol. The antipsychotic benefits provide a stable mental environment for those that need it most.

7. Schizophrenia

In 2012, a group of German researchers published a study in the journalTranslational Psychiatry. The potent antipsychotic Amisulpride and CBD were compared between 42 schizophrenia patients. The two treatments were deemed effective, but the short side-effect profile of CBD outshined the pharmaceutical option.

8. Crohn’s Disease

Some scientists say CBD could be an effective treatment for bowel diseases like Crohn’s Disease. THC and CBD interact with the system that controls gut function in the body, something that Crohn’s patients suffer issues with. The component of cannabis’ anti-inflammatory ability brings a lot of relief to those suffering from this condition.

9. Multiple Sclerosis

Scientists at the Cajal Institute used animal models and cell cultures to find that Cannabidiol reversed inflammatory responses and served as durable protection from the effects of multiple sclerosis. Mice with 10 days of CBD oil treatment had superior motor skills and showed progression in their condition. Using this information, researchers concluded that CBD has the potential ability to reduce various aspects of MS.

10. Insomnia

One of the few side effects of CBD oil is tiredness, but for many, it’s what they seek out in the natural herb. Since pharmaceuticals for aiding sleep pose risk for addiction and leave you feeling groggy the next day, it’s best to go the safe route with non-habit forming Cannabidiol. When searching for strains to combat insomnia, try staying with Indica and CBD-heavy strains to knock you out when you need it most.

Final Hit: Little-Known Uses for Cannabidiol or CBD Oil

Right now, use of CBD oil is at an all-time high, with cannabidiol scoring points from parents, patients,pets, pretty much everyone. With a wide variety of benefits and no psychoactive effects, it seems like a win-win. And if you’re interested in a little bit of anentourage effect,you can have your THC—and CBD too!